The resources we have chosen are suitable for use within a unit of study primarily on the environment and habitats. They could be integrated into literacy learning as well as ICT, mathematics and SOSE. Students could work independently or in pairs either as a whole class in the ICT room or on the couple of computers in the classroom, rotating in small groups.
As with all Web 2.0 Technologies it is recommended that teachers access the resources prior to the intended lesson, ensuring the computer equipment is available and working correctly. It is also advisable to create direct links for the resources from the internet favourites option; this allows students to access the recourse directly eliminating time wasting.
The teacher will need to add some instruction regarding internet safety, hoax sites and appropriate commuication via the internet. Two of these resources, Switcheroo Zoo and Act4Nature, have options to leave the site either to communicate with others, or to visit new sites, both desireable and undesireable. Sudents therefore, need to be aware of the possible dangers of the internet and using Web 2.0 technologies.
The global nature of the sites means that students knowledge will grow from a basic conceptual understanding of habitats to an applied knowledge of specific environments where some existing animals have become endangered. Students might even discover a passion for the environment and this could lead to interesting and unexpected activities, lead by the students in their desire to act for nature.
Implications
The resources we have chosen are suitable for use within a unit of study primarily on the environment and habitats. They could be integrated into literacy learning as well as ICT, mathematics and SOSE. Students could work independently or in pairs either as a whole class in the ICT room or on the couple of computers in the classroom, rotating in small groups.
As with all Web 2.0 Technologies it is recommended that teachers access the resources prior to the intended lesson, ensuring the computer equipment is available and working correctly. It is also advisable to create direct links for the resources from the internet favourites option; this allows students to access the recourse directly eliminating time wasting.
The teacher will need to add some instruction regarding internet safety, hoax sites and appropriate commuication via the internet. Two of these resources, Switcheroo Zoo and Act4Nature, have options to leave the site either to communicate with others, or to visit new sites, both desireable and undesireable. Sudents therefore, need to be aware of the possible dangers of the internet and using Web 2.0 technologies.
The global nature of the sites means that students knowledge will grow from a basic conceptual understanding of habitats to an applied knowledge of specific environments where some existing animals have become endangered. Students might even discover a passion for the environment and this could lead to interesting and unexpected activities, lead by the students in their desire to act for nature.
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